Ruth Dunnavant Riek

Ruth Ann Dunnavant Riek peacefully left this world on December 6, 2021, at the home of her son and daughter in law.  She was born in Hartford City, Indiana on July 31, 1927, to Mary and Arthur Shane.  She had 3 brothers, Ramon, Don, and Dan all of whom preceded her in death.

Ruth Ann was raised in Henryetta, Oklahoma, and while attending Henryetta High School she met the man who would steal her heart and be her forever love, Neal Dunnavant.  After a few years in Oklahoma, the newlyweds, who eloped on July 17, 1948, would follow Neal’s oil and gas career to the Permian Basin.  Living in both Odessa and Midland, Texas, together they raised two sons, had a very active social life, played hundreds of hours of golf, and traveled as frequently as possible.

In 1976 after the unexpected passing of their first-born son, Gary, they moved and made Midland their permanent home.  As members of Midland Country Club, they continued with their love of playing golf, and were frequently top contenders in area wide golf tournaments.  They traveled, played more golf and were always up for the next adventure.

Little did she know, but her next “grand” adventure was already being orchestrated by her youngest son, David.  He made her a grandmother two times over with Ryan and Nicki.  Ruth and Neal adored and spoiled them and truly reveled in their new roles.  Unfortunately, Neal’s health would take a turn, and she would lose her beloved in April of 1990.

Ruth Ann’s strong will (stubbornness) and her faith would carry her through.  As a member of the First Baptist Church of Midland, she would meet a fellow lost soul who shared her love of golf, travel, and the Lord.  With Bob Riek, who preceded her in death, she found companionship and a renewed purpose. Together they shared in good times on the golf course and traveling.  She loved and was devoted to her service with the church and thrived as a dedicated servant to those in need with her Jail House Ministries group.  She remained active in her community and loved to spend time with her dear friends.

Ruth Ann’s love of travel eventually brought her across the pond to Ireland where she developed a taste for what would become her favorite beer, Bass Ale.  For a time, she would drink a bottle of it every night, without fail.

She was made a grandmother again with the birth of Shane and Sadie by her son David and his wife Kelly.  She doted on them and became a frequent visitor to the Houston area.  Her last grand adventure was her move to The Woodlands, Texas to live with David and Kelly.  She loved interacting with the family and listening to Shane and Sadie tell her about the day’s goings-on.  She was so excited to spend the Christmas season with all her family, and to see Ryan and Nicki and to finally meet in person her two new precious great grandchildren, Theodora, and Lily, but the Lord had other plans for her.

In her 94 years, Ruth Ann was blessed with a forever love, two adoring sons, a loving daughter in law, four amazing grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and the best friends a person could ask for.  She was surrounded by family, friends, and love until the very end.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, December 18, 2021, at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home.  Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to:

First Baptist Church of Midland

2104 W Louisiana

Midland, TX 79707

Donation to the General Budget Fund in memory of Ruth Ann Dunnavant Riek